Going for the Spiders: Richmond is third in the CAA in total offense (431.9 ypg) and scoring (35.7 ppg). They've been more effective through the air than on the ground and have allowed just one sack all year. But Kendall Gaskins is a bruising 235-pound RB who has netted 448 yards on 99 carries (4.5 avg) with 10 TDs and also caught 18 passes. Since an injury knocked out QB John Laub, who was both a running and passing threat, sophomore Virginia transfer Michael Strauss has stepped in quite ably.

Going against the Spiders: Delaware ranks second in the CAA in rushing defense (121.8 ypg) and the Hens' front seven may be a challenge for Richmond's young front. This also is an opportunity for Delaware's veteran secondary to step up against a Richmond team that has thrown just two interceptions all year. The Blue Hens have played well while coming up short in losses to Old Dominion and Towson the last two weeks, and Richmond probably isn't quite as good as those two teams.

Spiders player to watch: Senior 6-foot-5, 230-pound safety Cooper Taylor is a candidate for the Buck Buchanan Award going to the best defensive player in FCS. He started and was second on the team in tackles as a true freshman at Georgia Tech in 2008. A heart abnormality surfaced his sophomore year, however. He had corrective procedures performed and later returned but eventually transferred.

The pick: Richmond 31, Delaware 30

HAMPTON (2-6, 2-4 MEAC) AT HORNETS (5-4, 4-2)

1 p.m., Alumni Stadium, Dover

Online: Audio streaming at SFMSports.Net and DSUHornets.com TV: None

Going for the Pirates: WR Javaris Brown leads the team with 24 receptions (10.2 ypr) for 244 yards with a team-high three TD catches. Andre Griffin has 22 catches for a team-high 301 yards. Defensively, LB Lyndell Gibson leads the team and is fifth in the MEAC in tackles at 8.5 per game (68 total). He's also fifth in the league in tackles for loss with 9.5 total. LB Delbert Tyler is second on the Pirates with 67 tackles.

Going against the Pirates: The team has been plagued by injury all season. Four quarterbacks have attempted at least 20 passes for Hampton this year. Brian Swain started against Howard last week, completing 13 of 23 passes for 91 yards while also rushing for 105 yards and a TD. Hampton has the worst turnover margin among all FCS schools at minus 1.88.

Pirate to watch: RB Jeremiah Schwartz leads the MEAC and is 16th in the FCS in rushing at 113.4 yards per game. He rushed for a career-high 201 yards on 25 carries vs. Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference-leading Bethune-Cookman this season.